Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that $400,000 for the design of long-awaited canopies at the Metro-North rail commuter stations in Stratford and Springdale is expected to be approved when the state Bond Commission meets August 4.

“Hundreds of commuters are in and out of these stations twice a day, to and from work, and they deserve every amenity we can afford,” Governor Rell said. “These canopies will provide at least some degree of comfort and shelter during the summer heat and rain and the winter cold and snow. Our Stratford and Springdale commuters have been patiently waiting for these canopies and I am pleased that we can make this new investment in funding available now and further enhance the quality of rail service.

“I have often said that we must make every effort to improve the quality of alternatives if we are going to entice more people to get out of their cars and onto the train – whether they are traveling for work or pleasure,” the Governor said. “This is one more step toward that end.”

Each station will have 400 feet of canopy on the westbound (New York City-bound) platforms. The Springdale station is in north Stamford and is part of the New Canaan Branch. The Stratford Station is on the main New Haven Line.

Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Joseph F. Marie said the canopies will be designed to blend with local architecture and estimated the design process would take about six months to eight months. He said that the construction phase – expected to cost about $1 million for each station – will take another year. The canopies should be completed in 2010.